MG-Cars.info

Welcome to our Site for MG, Triumph and Austin-Healey Car Information.

Parts

MG parts spares and accessories are available for MG T Series (TA, MG TB, MG TC, MG TD, MG TF), Magnette, MGA, Twin cam, MGB, MGBGT, MGC, MGC GT, MG Midget, Sprite and other MG models from British car spares company LBCarCo.

MG MGA - leaf springs

Hi there,
Can someone give me some advice for rebuilding the leafsprings on my 1960 MGA1600.
I disassembled them and they look very good.
How can I protect them from rusting?
Do I only paint the outside after I assembled them?Or can I put something between the leaves to protect them from rusting?
Thanks for the answer.
Herman


H. Jorens

From what I have heard from almost everyone (on this site, and other) is to get the springs reconditioned at a spring shop, as the aftermarket springs tend to be to bouncy...As far as painting goes Im thinking maybe the shop would do that? I have no idea...
Hope this helps a little.

Christine
C Burnham

I think if there was any significant benefit to be obtained from lubricating the leaves it would have been mentioned in the lubrication section of the workshop manual. I would just wire brush the individual leaves ,reassemble and paint. mike
m.j. moore

Wrap the spring with Denso tape and fit loosish covers made froma synthetic fabric(or leather gaitors like the old Bentleys) over your springs.

Rgds Trevor Burnett
t burnett

There is a lot of discussion on many forums on this topic.

During my Google search I came across this snippet:

"Some manufacturers and designers of springs do not advocate leaf-spring lubrication because reducing friction between the leaves destroys the capacity Of the spring to absorb the energy of shocks without excessive rebound. However, it is generally necessary to keep the leaf surfaces lubricated to prevent undue wear and squeaks and to keep a spring flexible. The leaf surfaces should be lubricated by spraying them with oil or by forcing grease, usually a graphite grease, between the leaves."

Steve
Steve Gyles

When i rebuilt my '62 A several years ago i disassembled and sandblasted the rear spring leafs. Using any kind of oil or liquid lubricant didn't appeal to me because it would attract road dust and grit and eventually turn into a grinding compound. I settled on using dry teflon lubricant AFTER i painted the leafs individually. It's typically sold in a spray can with a liquid component which quickly evaporates and leaves a film of teflon particles on the mating surfaces. The leafs can be reassembled the same day. After 9 years, no complaints. Good luck. Safety fast.
J Rogers

I sandblasted the leaves. Then I ground smooth the wear ridges at the end of each leaf and rounded the ends so they don't do this again. I then painted each leaf, greased them and reassembled. I don't believe the springs should be friction dampers, - damping is for the shocks and friction has no place.
Art Pearse

This thread was discussed between 16/06/2009 and 18/06/2009

MG MGA index

This thread is from the archives. Join the live MG MGA BBS now